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There’s a constant debate in the B1G during the college basketball season. Which school’s venue is the toughest environment for opponents?
College basketball insider and B1G Network contributor Andy Katz asked some of the B1G’s NBA Draft prospects for their opinion on the situation. While Maryland’s Xfinity Center and Michigan State’s Breslin Center made the list, most of the players asked talked about Purdue’s Mackey Arena.
Last year’s B1G stars Isaiah Livers (Michigan), Joe Wieskamp (Iowa), Duane Washington (Ohio State), Aaron Henry (Michigan State) and Luka Garza (Iowa) were all asked which arena was the most intimidating in the conference. Below are their responses:
.@TerrapinHoops ✔️@MSU_Basketball ✔️@BoilerBall ✔️✔️✔️@TheAndyKatz asked our @NBA prospects which B1G arenas went wildest at last week's Combine, and Mackey takes the 🎂. pic.twitter.com/zW2RSSoh49
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 1, 2021
So, it appears that Mackey Arena is the most difficult venue for a lot of B1G stars. And given Purdue’s success in recent history on its home floor, it’s hard to argue against it.
It was surprising that Indiana’s Assembly Hall, and Illinois’ State Farm Center didn’t receive any mentions. Those two venues are also often considered to be some of the best in the B1G.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB